Scientific and Technological Activities on the International Space Station
Amid exceptional circumstances including a U.S. government shutdown, the crew of Expedition 73 aboard the International Space Station continues their scientific research and station maintenance. Here is a comprehensive look at the activities being conducted in outer space.
Scientific Research in Space
Expedition 73 continues its scientific endeavors on the International Space Station, with astronauts conducting experiments aimed at improving life on Earth and developing new technologies for future use. Among these experiments, NASA astronaut John Kim activated an advanced moisture removal system in microgravity, a device designed to extract moisture from the spacecraft’s atmosphere for reuse.
Additionally, NASA astronaut Mike Fincke installed a new experiment to study the condensation of gases and their transformation into liquids, which could contribute to the development of new thermal systems for manned spacecraft on long-duration missions.
Advanced Technological Experiments
In the realm of technological experiments, NASA aerospace engineer Zena Cardman installed new sample cassettes for a study supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing in microgravity. This experiment helps understand how microgravity affects the interactions of different materials, potentially enhancing drug production in space.
Furthermore, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui changed sample processing equipment and configured cables for a device that uses lasers to heat materials to extremely high temperatures, collecting data on the thermal physical properties of the samples.
Maintenance and Future Preparations
In addition to scientific research, crew members participate in station maintenance and preparation for future research. For instance, NASA’s Mike Fincke and John Kim prepared the European Space Agency’s Fluid Science Laboratory to study fluid physics in microgravity, changing electrical cables, assembling components, and installing samples for a foam hardening experiment.
Fincke also installed a capture bag experiment in the Nanoracks airlock, preparing for tests to demonstrate its ability to remain tightly open and closed in a weightless environment. This bag could be a means to capture and dispose of space debris.
Daily Life on the International Space Station
In addition to scientific and technological activities, the crew engages in daily routines including exercise and photographing Earth from space. Kimiya Yui wrote on social media about viewing Japan from the window while doing strength training, noting that those who saw the station and waved ended up waving at him.
Finally, the crew continues to make significant contributions to space exploration, with their activities ranging from conducting research to maintaining equipment, enhancing humanity’s understanding of space and paving the way for future discoveries.
Conclusion
The International Space Station plays a vital role in advancing science and technology, providing a unique environment for experiments that cannot be conducted on Earth. Through the crew’s ongoing efforts, progress is achieved in various scientific fields, contributing to the improvement of our daily lives and opening new horizons for future space exploration.